Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated 73S1215F-44IM/F

Overview

73S1215F-44IM/F from Teridian Semiconductor is an 80515-based System-on-Chip for smart card reader systems, integrating ISO 7816/EMV 4.1-compliant smart card interface, USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) device controller, and hardware-scanned 5×6 PINpad. It delivers up to 20 MIPS at 24 MHz CPU clock, features 64 KB Flash, 2 KB XRAM, and operates from 2.7–3.6 V (3.0–3.6 V during USB operation), targeting handheld PINpad readers and ExpressCard® modules.

For engineers reviewing the 73S1215F-44IM/F datasheet, 73S1215F-44IM/F pinout, 73S1215F-44IM/F application, or 73S1215F-44IM/F equivalent, key selection considerations include EMV 4.1 compliance, dual-interface (USB + ISO 7816) coexistence, on-chip RTC with 32.768 kHz oscillator support, programmable LED current outputs, and CCID protocol stack readiness - all in a 44-pin QFN package.

Technical Context

The 73S1215F-44IM/F implements a single-cycle-per-instruction 80515 core clocked up to 24 MHz, enabling real-time AES/DES/3-DES and RSA-based PIN encryption. Its integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed peripheral supports PC/SC compliance with four endpoints (Control, Interrupt IN, Bulk IN/OUT), each with dedicated FIFOs (16 B / 32 B / 128 B / 128 B).

Smart card interfacing is handled by a fully autonomous ISO 7816 UART supporting T=0/T=1 protocols, with built-in LDO delivering selectable 1.8 V / 3 V / 5 V card power, activation/deactivation sequencers, C4–C8 auxiliary I/O, and 6 kV ESD protection. A separate 5×6 keypad interface provides hardware scanning, debouncing, and scrambling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

73S1215F-44IM/F is housed in a 44-pin QFN (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per datasheet Figure 45 and Table 1, including dedicated USB D+/D−, ISO 7816 I/O/CCLK, keypad row/column drivers, 9 user I/Os, and analog voltage input (AVIN).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar smart card reader SoC applications.

Compared with Infineon SLE78CLX2040P and NXP SLN10SE401K1, the 73S1215F-44IM/F uniquely combines EMV 4.1–ready smart card interface, hardware PINpad, and CCID USB in a single 44-pin QFN - enabling certified reader designs with minimal external components and no architectural migration.

Availability

73S1215F-44IM/F is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hand-held PINpad readers, ExpressCard® modules, e-banking tokens, and government ID terminals requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for 73S1215F-44IM/F includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Teridian Semiconductor was a fabless IC design company specializing in mixed-signal SoCs for secure transaction systems, later acquired by Maxim Integrated in 2010.

The 73S12xxF product line was engineered specifically for cost-optimized, high-volume smart card reader applications - integrating USB, ISO 7816, PINpad, and security peripherals into a single chip to eliminate system-level integration complexity.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the 73S1215F-44IM/F CPU core?

The 73S1215F-44IM/F features an 80515-compatible core with a maximum CPU clock frequency of 24 MHz. This yields up to 20 MIPS performance, sufficient for real-time execution of EMV-compliant cryptographic operations such as AES, DES/3-DES, and RSA-based PIN encryption - all confirmed in the Rev. 1.4 datasheet Section 1.3.2 and Table 12.

Does the 73S1215F-44IM/F support both T=0 and T=1 smart card protocols?

Yes, the 73S1215F-44IM/F includes a dedicated ISO 7816 UART that natively supports both T=0 and T=1 protocols, as specified in Section 1.7.15 of the datasheet. It provides two 2-byte FIFOs (transmit and receive), automatic protocol switching, and full EMV 4.1 compliance - including activation/deactivation sequencing and C4–C8 auxiliary signal control.

What package type is used for the 73S1215F-44IM/F?

The 73S1215F-44IM/F uses a 44-pin QFN package (7 mm × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad, as documented in Section 6.2 and Figure 45 of the datasheet. This variant is distinct from the 68-pin QFN option and is optimized for compact handheld and ExpressCard® form factors.

Can the 73S1215F-44IM/F operate without an external crystal?

No - the 73S1215F-44IM/F requires an external 6–12 MHz crystal for main system clock generation, as stated in Section 1.7.1. An optional 32.768 kHz crystal may be added for RTC functionality, but neither oscillator is integrated. The internal PLL derives all required clocks (e.g., USB 48 MHz, smart card CLK) from the primary crystal input.

Is the 73S1215F-44IM/F USB interface PC/SC compliant?

Yes, the 73S1215F-44IM/F USB 2.0 Full-Speed interface is explicitly designed for PC/SC compliance, supporting the CCID class specification with four endpoints (Control, Interrupt IN, Bulk IN, Bulk OUT) and dedicated FIFO sizes (16 B / 32 B / 128 B / 128 B). Teridian provided a pre-validated CCID reference design and WHQL-certified Windows driver, as noted in the General Description and Software sections of the datasheet.